CountyScore

Magoffin County

Kentucky · KY

#83 in Kentucky
69.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Magoffin County, Kentucky

Magoffin County beats national average strongly

Magoffin County's composite score of 76.4 towers 53% above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating exceptional livability relative to U.S. standards. This top-tier positioning reflects outstanding affordability and minimal tax burden.

Above-average performer in Kentucky

Magoffin County ranks slightly above Kentucky's state average composite score of 75.0, joining the better half of the commonwealth's counties. The 1.4-point margin indicates competitive livability compared to peer Kentucky communities.

Exceptional affordability and low taxes

Magoffin County excels with the highest cost score of 90.0 and a tax score of 81.8, featuring median home values of just $88,300 and rents of $633 monthly. These exceptional affordability metrics make it one of the most budget-friendly counties in the state.

Income levels need significant development

Magoffin County's income score of 5.4 is critically low, with median household income of only $33,632 among the state's weakest. This substantial gap indicates limited economic opportunities and employment diversity that deserve urgent local attention.

Magoffin suits remote workers and retirees

Magoffin County is ideal for remote workers, early retirees, and those with income from outside sources who prioritize rock-bottom living costs. Its exceptional affordability overcomes the low local wage economy for independent-income households.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax81.8Cost90SafetyComing SoonHealth52.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome5.4Risk65WaterComing Soon
🏛81.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤52.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡65
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Magoffin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Carroll County
Arkansas
69.5
Median income: $55,187
Burke County
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69.5
Median income: $50,739
Henderson County
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69.5
Median income: $65,651
Hamilton County
Iowa
69.5
Median income: $71,750
Coffey County
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69.5
Median income: $67,377

Deep Dives

Magoffin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Magoffin County

via TaxByCounty

Magoffin's low rate vastly undercuts nation

Magoffin County's effective tax rate of 0.728% is less than one-quarter of the national median tax bill of $2,690 on a typical home worth $281,900. This Appalachian county's median home value of just $88,300 means property owners pay far lower absolute dollars than national counterparts.

Magoffin ranks slightly below state average

At 0.728%, Magoffin's rate sits just 1.3% below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it among the state's lower-tax counties. The county's median tax of $643 represents 41% less than Kentucky's state median of $1,093.

Magoffin lowest in its peer group

Magoffin's 0.728% rate edges out Mason County (0.634%) to rank near the bottom regionally, alongside Martin County (0.774%) and Madison County (0.739%). The county's low property values, not low rates, drive the modest tax bills residents see.

Median home carries $643 annual tax

An $88,300 home in Magoffin County incurs roughly $643 in yearly property tax, translating to about $54 monthly for owners without mortgages. Adding mortgage-related assessments raises the typical bill to $1,161.

Appeal if assessed above market value

Even in Magoffin's modest housing market, many homeowners carry inflated assessments relative to what homes actually sell for. Requesting a formal assessment review with your county assessor takes minimal time and could yield meaningful tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Magoffin County

via CostByCounty

Magoffin faces real affordability stress

Magoffin County residents spend 22.6% of income on rent—well above the 17% state average and significantly higher than the national trend toward affordability crisis. The median household income of just $33,632 pushes housing costs to unsustainable levels despite modest $633 monthly rents.

Kentucky's most strained county

Magoffin ranks among Kentucky's worst for housing affordability, with a 22.6% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 5.6 percentage points. This burden falls on one of the state's lowest median incomes at $33,632.

Lowest income in the region

Magoffin's $33,632 median income trails all nearby counties—Martin ($46,185), McCreary ($37,355), and Mason ($51,473)—making it the region's most economically challenged. Rent at $633 is lowest in the region, but income constraints make even bargain housing unaffordable.

Modest costs mask income crisis

At $633 monthly rent consuming 22.6% of a $33,632 income, Magoffin residents face genuine hardship despite low absolute housing costs. Homeownership fares slightly better at $473 monthly, but the median home value of $88,300 still represents a steep climb for low-income families.

Magoffin offers cheap housing, limited opportunity

Remote workers or retirees with external income sources may find bargains here, but job-seekers should note Magoffin's $33,632 median income signals limited economic opportunity. Compare income prospects in Martin County ($46,185) or McCreary County ($37,355) before committing to the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Magoffin County

via IncomeByCounty

Magoffin faces significant income gap

Magoffin County's median household income of $33,632 trails the national median of $74,755 by 55%, one of the steepest gaps in the state. Per capita income of $20,024 falls 32% below Kentucky's average of $29,616, signaling economic pressure.

Among Kentucky's lowest earners

Magoffin County ranks near the bottom statewide, with median household income running $22,277 below the state average of $55,909. The county faces systemic economic challenges reflected in wages and employment opportunities.

Struggles compared to surrounding areas

Magoffin's $33,632 median income falls far short of Martin County ($46,185), McCreary County ($37,355), and Marion County ($55,404) nearby. Only McCreary County approaches similar income levels, indicating concentrated economic hardship in eastern Kentucky.

Housing costs strain household budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 22.6% means Magoffin residents dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to housing, approaching the federal stress threshold of 30%. With median home values at $88,300, affordability exists for homeownership, but rental households face tighter budgets.

Intentional savings unlock long-term stability

Despite lower median income, Magoffin County residents can build wealth through disciplined saving and employer retirement plans, even modest contributions. Seeking local financial counseling and exploring education opportunities can expand earning potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Magoffin County

via HealthByCounty

Magoffin County's health challenge

Life expectancy in Magoffin County stands at 68.2 years—nearly 4 years below the U.S. average of 72.3 years and a striking warning sign. Nearly 1 in 3 residents (32.2%) report poor or fair health, more than double the national average of 17.9%, reflecting serious chronic disease and health struggles.

Among Kentucky's lowest-ranked

Magoffin's 68.2-year life expectancy is 4 years below Kentucky's 72.2-year state average—placing it among the state's worst-performing counties. The 32.2% poor/fair health rate is dramatically higher than Kentucky's statewide average, signaling a county facing acute health disparities.

Struggling compared to peers

Magoffin County's 68.2-year life expectancy trails nearby Martin County (70.6) and McCreary County (69.6), with the highest poor/fair health rate in this peer group. Primary care access is tight at 35 providers per 100K, and mental health resources at 178 per 100K lag behind wealthier neighboring counties like Mason County (493 per 100K).

Uninsured and under-resourced

Magoffin County's 7.6% uninsured rate edges above Kentucky's 7.0% average, leaving many residents without basic coverage. With only 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below national standards—many people travel hours to find a doctor, delaying care and worsening health outcomes.

Seek coverage now

In a county where 1 in 3 people report poor health, health insurance isn't optional—it's essential. Visit kynect.ky.gov to explore coverage options including Medicaid, ACA plans, and financial help; uninsured residents can call 1-855-MY-KYNCT for free assistance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Magoffin County

via RiskByCounty

Magoffin ranks below the national average

Magoffin County's composite risk score of 34.99 places it in the 'very low' category, well below the U.S. average of 50.19. However, wildfire risk stands out at 82.06—a significant outlier that warrants local attention despite the county's overall low hazard profile.

Magoffin is among Kentucky's safest counties

At 34.99, Magoffin's composite score sits well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, making it one of the commonwealth's lower-risk areas. Wildfire is the notable exception, where the county's 82.06 score substantially exceeds state norms.

Magoffin is safer than eastern regional peers

Neighboring Martin County scores 49.94 and Madison County 74.84, both significantly riskier than Magoffin's 34.99. Magoffin's exceptionally low tornado risk of 22.11 contrasts sharply with these neighbors, giving it a more favorable overall hazard profile.

Wildfire dominates Magoffin's risk landscape

Wildfire risk at 82.06 is Magoffin's clear standout hazard, nearly double the state average and among the highest in Kentucky. Flooding presents a secondary concern at 60.50, while tornado (22.11) and hurricane risks remain minimal.

Prioritize wildfire defenses and fuel clearance

Create a defensible space around your home by clearing dead trees, brush, and leaves within 30 feet of structures—critical for counties with wildfire risk above 80. Ensure your homeowner's policy covers wildfire damage, and consider a metal roof and ember-resistant vents to reduce ignition risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.